Streaming studios reel on Zee-Sony split

Studios making shows for streaming platforms had hoped that the Zee-Sony merger would revive projects that had flagged for a while.

- LataJha lata

However, the acrimonious end to the merger has put paid to their hopes.

While Prime Video works only with select Bollywood names or releases new titles in a staggered manner, Netflix is keen on buying big-budget films. JioCinema has a sports focus, and Disney has slowed ahead of a possible merger with Reliance Industries Ltd.

SonyLIV wants to do only midscale shows and ZEE5 is targeting cost cuts.

The merger would have provided clarity on the road ahead for the streaming landscape, and its collapse means the studios, which had hoped the combined entity would green-light projects at a faster pace, will have to wait longer.

"It's a terrible time for content creators," a top executive at a content studio said. "Not only are talent costs skyrocketing, there are fewer people to sell projects to. We had presumed the merger would enable both companies to greenlight more titles, but things have gone back to status quo.

Sony remains a large company concerned with P&L (profit and loss) and is even looking at reworking content budgets as Zee continues to limp along," the executive said on condition of anonymity.